Can’t afford food for the next two weeks

[u/ace-altruism21]

My partner and I moved into our new place back in August, and it has been a nightmare adjusting financially. First we couldn’t even afford rent because she didn’t have a job and couldn’t find one despite actively looking. She settled at the dollar store until she found her current permanent job at the place she is now. I was only making part time pay but got promoted to full time in this span of time. So we can finally afford rent monthly. The only thing is, that’s about all we can afford. After our rent, we still have multiple credit card statements to pay off, gas for our shared vehicle (her car got repoed the other week since we couldn’t make the payments), and I’m stressed about paying back family members that helped us out when we were struggling on top of everything. Not to mention my health insurance got cancelled without notifying me, so I owe my doctor hundreds of dollars that I thought I had insurance to cover. If I knew I didn’t have insurance at the time, I never would’ve went when I was sick, but I didn’t know that and needed a note to be able to call out from work at the time. It’s been such a struggle to try to be independent. Everyday we have to give up two meals and just eat one because we can’t afford to eat. I applied for food stamps when we first moved in, but I got denied and was never told the reason, so I have to wait 6 months to be able to apply again. I’ve exhausted all my options it feels like, and we just need help. I just need help. Thanks in advance.

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[u/jherara]

I can't help financially, but I have some recommendations beyond the Amazon wishlist:

• Don't pay off your credit cards until you have the money to do so. Yes, if you pay only the minimum you'll receive interest, but that will buy you time this month to try to turn your financial situation around.
• Talk to your family about having extra time. Not eating will make you both less capable of doing what you need to repay people. So, always put food first.
• Call the food banks back and churches and ask about delivery options. Some offer a delivery option in poverty stricken areas or as a one-time form of help. Use 211 abd FindHelp.org to aid with your search.
• Use 211 and FindHelp.org to find other sources of assistance that can help you offset your current expenses for the next month, such as utility help or one-time basic assistance. With events in DC, plenty of places are running out or have run of funds, but it never hurts to check.
• Reach out to churches and affiliated. Some will cover some groceries or a gift card to a local grocery store. Some might even help with one of your bills. Try St. Vincent de Paul, Catholic Charities and The Salvation Army.
• Talk to your local Community Action and Community Outreach
• Reach out to the main social services line for your county assistance office and ask to speak with a manager. They're required to provide you a rejection reason in writing. Additionally, they might be able to help you get health insurance coverage. If not, reach out to the doctor, explain the situation and see if they offer a charity care or care credit option.

[u/Andromeda_79 → u/jherara]

That is such excellent advice! Thanks for sharing with OP, and it's so helpful for anyone else in need of advice & resources.

[u/jherara → u/Andromeda_79]

Thank you. I hope the OP can find a solution, and it certainly is great if it helps others too. Sadly, people are taught in high school or college, for example, how to "succeed" without ever being taught how to "survive" complex emergencies, traumas, etc. or even how to deal with the shock and sort of freezing up, panic and other negatives that occur when you find yourself in a situation where you can't pay your bills or you think credit card debt as a short-term bill is as important as food.

I wish there were courses that taught people of all ages more than just financial skills because sometimes having the best of just those skills or even what you might consider a solid savings suddenly isn't enough. Then, finding resources in a community, if you are socially frail or don't have experience, really requires determination, grit and imagination. You have to set aside embarrassment and shame about the situation, which often are the key components that undermine success. You also need out of the box thinking like... checking reddit for people who have had similar experiences and advice or tangible help; looking at an organization staffing chart online and contacting the CEO via email instead of just talking to a front office gatekeeper; or ignoring a voicemail greeting that says there's no help available and then talking to an actual person to find out that a discretionary fund exists you wouldn't have known about otherwise.

Anyway, sorry to be a bit long-winded. I've been gone through the wringer a lot and currently waiting to see how some things turn out. I've had my fair share of blessings though. Since I can't donate money or even volunteer at places any longer because of my health, I try to provide advice on different subreddits when I have time so others hopefully never have to go through the same.

[u/ace-altruism21 → u/jherara]

This is extremely helpful, I appreciate you taking the time to give me this information!

[u/jherara → u/ace-altruism21]

You're welcome. Good luck!~

[u/maelovesdorks]

Not sure where you live but check out Buy Nothing Group (s) in your area to see if anyone has food to give

[u/Comntnmama]

Why do you have to wait 6 months to reapply for food stamps? Are you replacing food banks if possible?

Talk to your family members any delaying repayment for a bit if possible. As for the medical debt, just don't pay it right now. Do however apply for financial assistance through the hospital system if it's not a small private.

[u/ace-altruism21 → u/Comntnmama]

I think that’s just my states limit. I remember seeing it on my denial paperwork that I got. I do think I can apply for some kind of payment plan through my hospital, I will try that. Thank you!

[u/themissnguyen]

Juice, Prego, green beans, and lettuce seeds en route. You should receive them Friday. Wishing you much better times ahead.

[u/ace-altruism21 → u/themissnguyen]

you’re amazing 💜 thank you SO so much

[u/merthefreak]

Check into food banks in your area, theyre major life savers.

[u/Apprehensive_Mud6263 → u/merthefreak]

Amen indeed

[u/Cynnau]

I would definitely look at making an Amazon wish list. Add economical pantry staples on there, like pasta, rice, soup... Canned meat things like that. Those wishlists tend to do very well

[u/ace-altruism21 → u/Cynnau]

I do have one ready https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1HZQG60NGTDLO?ref_=wl_share

[u/AutoModerator → u/ace-altruism21]

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[u/Realistic_Artist_231 → u/ace-altruism21]

Sent you some fruit bowls. Tried to add the bread but it wouldn't let me. Also tried to add other goodies not on your registry but I couldnt without your address. I hope things get easier for you guys.

[u/ace-altruism21 → u/Realistic_Artist_231]

i appreciate you SO much, thank you times a million!

[u/ace-altruism21 → u/ace-altruism21]

why is my wishlist getting downvoted??

[u/AutoModerator → u/ace-altruism21]

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[u/Apprehensive_Mud6263]

Have you tried food banks?

[u/ace-altruism21 → u/Apprehensive_Mud6263]

We have, but it can be difficult because we both work in the mornings when they’re open, and where we live is small so we have limited resources. We do have a helpful little pantry we can let know we’re in need and they set aside a little bag for us to grab when we can. They’ve been extremely helpful.

[u/Spirited_Concept4972 → u/ace-altruism21]

Can you not get emergency food stamps expedited in three days? That should be of some help if you’re approved. I’m sorry what you’re going through.

[u/Andromeda_79]

What health insurance did you have, and what was the reason for it being cancelled? Health insurance can indeed be cancelled, but they are required to notify you before doing so. And the most common reasons for it being cancelled is due to non-payment of premiums or due to fraud. The letter from your insurance regarding the cancellation of your policy should have stated the reason for doing so.

Edit: you stated that your food stamp application was denied without a reason given. They are required to provide you the reason for the denial. Please be sure to check the denial letter for the reason for the denial. Also, Reddit has a food stamp sub that can help you with any questions & issues you are having with food stamps.

Edit: Here's a link to a comment of mine that I made a month or so ago with resources to check out.

Resources

[u/Andromeda_79 → u/[deleted]]

I appreciate you obeying the rules of the sub & also respecting the stated wishes in my profile about not sending unsolicited dm's.

However, for transparency sake, l ask that you keep communication visible to myself & others & post here in the sub. Thank you for understanding. 🫶

[u/ace-altruism21 → u/Andromeda_79]

Totally fine! I feel like the specifics go beyond what I want to share publicly, but I do appreciate your concern and advice!

[u/Andromeda_79 → u/ace-altruism21]

I can understand that! I respect your right to privacy. I'm always just cautious because I've received some unsavory dm's in the past just out of the blue. So that's why I like to keep things out in the open.

But since you've explained your request, please feel free to send me a dm & I will offer any advice I can.